The answer to this thread's title is simple: console gamers "settle for so little" because many of them have never had the great addition of a dedicated server.
Now, I'm afraid that not providing a dedicated server is an obvious corporate currency corner-cut. Even console services like Xbox Live and PSN could provide access to dedicated servers. There is no reason for there to not be such a feature in console games these days - consoles can get online like PCs, so they should have all of the features PC gaming has to offer, if possible (and it is).
While it's true that PC gamers should not "expect" a dedicated server (unless, in my view, if the series has provided these before - who would want a devolved sequel), this is a feature that should be applied by those who have the resources to do so (all of the big-name FPS producers who just got a record profit increase for their releases, like, oh, shall we say, Infinity Ward).
My advice to Infinity Ward is: update the game, give it a proper upgrade with a dedicated server added. There is no excuse to keep out a useful feature if there is a possibility of extra profits, and if there are available funds. And you know that thing in your briefcase, that you keep showing off to your family and friends before buying them diamonds? Those are "available funds". Use them as such.
Good Game and other reviewers have smashed Infinity Ward for this decision because there have been numerous problems revolving around lag in the slower broadband regions, like Australia. This is because people no longer have complete control over the server they join, and cannot discriminate on the basis of latency (which is a very legitimate basis).
This is the same bad decision that, sadly, was also made with Super Smash Bros Brawl's multiplayer on the Wii. Australians could not play the game without massive lag, because there was no consideration given to the fact that local hosting is necessary in such places to avoid lag (until the Internet itself receives a fundamental upgrade). It may not have effected sales too much, since at heart the Smash series has always been about multiplayer in the room, but that cannot be said for the many online-only titles that have come into being lately.
Consider the facts. Consider the funds. Give people what they want, and they will pay double the money. In an environment like that a dedicated server can provide, quality, after all, begets quantity. And quantity produces sales.
Now, I'm afraid that not providing a dedicated server is an obvious corporate currency corner-cut. Even console services like Xbox Live and PSN could provide access to dedicated servers. There is no reason for there to not be such a feature in console games these days - consoles can get online like PCs, so they should have all of the features PC gaming has to offer, if possible (and it is).
While it's true that PC gamers should not "expect" a dedicated server (unless, in my view, if the series has provided these before - who would want a devolved sequel), this is a feature that should be applied by those who have the resources to do so (all of the big-name FPS producers who just got a record profit increase for their releases, like, oh, shall we say, Infinity Ward).
My advice to Infinity Ward is: update the game, give it a proper upgrade with a dedicated server added. There is no excuse to keep out a useful feature if there is a possibility of extra profits, and if there are available funds. And you know that thing in your briefcase, that you keep showing off to your family and friends before buying them diamonds? Those are "available funds". Use them as such.
Good Game and other reviewers have smashed Infinity Ward for this decision because there have been numerous problems revolving around lag in the slower broadband regions, like Australia. This is because people no longer have complete control over the server they join, and cannot discriminate on the basis of latency (which is a very legitimate basis).
This is the same bad decision that, sadly, was also made with Super Smash Bros Brawl's multiplayer on the Wii. Australians could not play the game without massive lag, because there was no consideration given to the fact that local hosting is necessary in such places to avoid lag (until the Internet itself receives a fundamental upgrade). It may not have effected sales too much, since at heart the Smash series has always been about multiplayer in the room, but that cannot be said for the many online-only titles that have come into being lately.
Consider the facts. Consider the funds. Give people what they want, and they will pay double the money. In an environment like that a dedicated server can provide, quality, after all, begets quantity. And quantity produces sales.
